If you’re looking for a vegetarian main that celebrates fall flavors in a truly show-stopping way, this Layered Sweet Potato, Pumpkin, Carrot Lasagna with Goat Cheese, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze is about to become your new obsession. Creamy goat cheese and velvety pumpkin purée intertwine with tender layers of sweet potato and carrot, all nestled between perfectly cooked lasagna sheets. The whole thing is crowned with a drizzle of luscious Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze, which adds a sweet-tangy finish and delightful crunch. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply indulging in something special at home, this dish brings warmth and color to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised by how easy it is to gather everything for this vibrant lasagna! Each ingredient plays its part: from silky pumpkin to crisp walnuts, every layer adds color, texture, and a burst of cozy autumn flavor.
- Sweet potatoes: Thinly sliced, they bring natural sweetness and a gorgeous orange hue to each bite.
- Pumpkin purée: Acts as a creamy base and fills every forkful with mellow earthiness.
- Carrots: Thinly sliced for even baking, their subtle crunch and color brighten the layers.
- Olive oil: Ensures the veggies roast tenderly and enhances the finished flavor.
- Salt: Don’t be shy—every veggie needs a little salt to shine!
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth to balance all the sweet and savory notes.
- Dried thyme: Brings a hint of herby aroma that ties the entire dish together.
- Goat cheese: Creamy, tangy, and wonderfully rich, this gets melty and dreamy between the layers.
- Walnuts: Add hearty crunch and toastiness, making those bites extra special.
- No-boil lasagna noodles: Time-saver alert! These soak up all the flavors while baking.
- Cranberry sauce: The star of the glaze, it brings sweet-tart zing and vibrant red color.
- Honey: Rounds out the glaze with floral sweetness—magic when paired with cranberry and walnuts.
How to Make Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze Lasagna
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
First things first, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of oil or nonstick spray. This will keep those gorgeous lasagna layers from sticking when it’s time to serve, and it’s a little step that makes all the difference at the end!
Step 2: Season and Toss the Veggies
In a large bowl, toss your sliced sweet potatoes and carrots with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme until every piece is perfectly coated. This simple seasoning draws out their natural sweetness and guarantees flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Build Those Beautiful Layers
Spread a thin layer of pumpkin purée over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Now, lay down a sheet of no-boil lasagna noodles. Top with a colorful layer of sweet potatoes and carrots, scatter crumbled goat cheese, and sprinkle a small handful of walnuts. Repeat these layers, alternating pumpkin purée, noodles, veggies, cheese, and walnuts until you’ve used everything up, finishing with a final layer of noodles and a generous sprinkle of walnuts on top.
Step 4: The Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze Moment
In a small bowl, mix together cranberry sauce and honey to make the irresistible Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze. Drizzle this sweet and tangy glaze evenly over the lasagna, letting it settle into all the nooks and crannies. This glaze transforms the dish, adding complexity and that glossy, festive finish!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover your lasagna with foil and bake for 35 minutes. After that, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender and the top is beautifully golden. Let the finished lasagna rest for about 5 to 10 minutes out of the oven to make slicing and serving a breeze.
How to Serve Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze Lasagna
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, shower your baked masterpiece with extra toasted walnuts, a drizzle of warm honey, or a handful of fresh thyme leaves. If you want to really lean into festive flair, add a sprinkle of pomegranate arils or a bit more of that Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze for an eye-catching, luscious look.
Side Dishes
This lasagna shines with simple sides like peppery arugula salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or garlicky green beans. Want to go all out? Serve with crusty bread for swiping up every last bit of glaze, and perhaps a light soup like butternut squash to start.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning centerpiece, bake the lasagna in a decorative oven-to-table dish or individual ramekins for personal servings. You can even use a ring mold to cut neat squares, then drizzle with extra Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze on the plate for restaurant-worthy presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To save any uneaten lasagna, let it cool completely, then cover the dish with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days; the flavors continue to meld for an even richer taste the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze your cooked lasagna. Let it cool, cut into individual portions, and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container, and you’ll have slices of Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze lasagna ready to thaw and enjoy for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply bake slices (covered loosely with foil) in a 180°C (350°F) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For an extra burst of fresh flavor, add a little extra glaze or a sprinkle of goat cheese right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook the noodles until just al dente according to package instructions before layering. Drain and lay them out flat so they’re easy to handle.
What if I don’t have goat cheese?
You can substitute ricotta, feta, or even a creamy plant-based cheese if you prefer. The tangy flavor of goat cheese pairs especially well with the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze, but the recipe is forgiving.
Can I make the Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the glaze can be prepared up to a week in advance! Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before drizzling over your lasagna for the best texture and flavor.
How do I ensure the vegetables cook evenly?
Slice the sweet potatoes and carrots as thinly as possible—using a mandoline makes this easy. Even, thin slices make sure everything gets tender at the same rate during baking.
Is this lasagna gluten free?
It can be! Swap the traditional noodles for your favorite gluten-free, no-boil lasagna sheets. The flavors of the filling and the signature Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about sharing a colorful, flavor-packed dish like this Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze lasagna with loved ones. Every forkful is packed with creamy cheese, sweet earthy veggies, crunchy walnuts, and that addictive cranberry-honey drizzle. Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and make your next meal a truly memorable celebration!
